Little Mix Members Sought Therapy After Jesy Nelson’s Departure

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, a member of the girl group Little Mix, revealed that the remaining members of the band turned to therapy following Jesy Nelson’s departure, describing the experience as “traumatic.” Jesy left the group in 2020, citing the toll of band life on her mental health.

In her memoir, “Believe,” Leigh-Anne opened up about the abrupt and emotional nature of Jesy’s exit, stating that they had been like family for years. She explained, “We were a family; the four of us were like sisters, and we had been that way since we were teenagers, so it’s not an over-exaggeration to say that losing a member was a traumatic experience.”

Jade Thirlwall, another member of Little Mix, had previously mentioned seeking therapy during this challenging period. According to Leigh-Anne, therapy helped her, along with Perrie Edwards and Jade, move forward into something “even brighter and stronger.”

Jesy’s departure from Little Mix, a group that had achieved five UK number one singles since their creation on The X Factor in 2011, made headlines in December 2020. She explained her exit on Instagram, mentioning the need to “embark on a new chapter,” while the remaining band members expressed their best wishes for her.

However, tensions escalated as Jesy pursued her solo career, with public disagreements and claims of unfollowing on Instagram. Leigh-Anne even faced backlash and criticism for her comments on “blackfishing,” which led to an intervention by rapper Nicki Minaj. Describing it as a “horrific online row,” Leigh-Anne acknowledged that it was one of the most challenging moments in her career.

Following Jesy’s departure, Little Mix continued as a trio, eventually announcing a hiatus after their Confetti Tour in 2021. Leigh-Anne has since embarked on a solo career. The experience of Jesy Nelson’s departure highlighted the emotional and mental toll that such transitions can have on individuals, even in the spotlight.